WEST Bromwich Albion are set to honour 1970s hero and record goalscorer Tony ‘Bomber’ Brown with a special mystery tribute funded by the club.

Baggies’ officials have held secret meetings with The Hawthorns’ legend to decide what form the honour should take and work has already started on the exciting plans.

Brown turned professional in 1963 and scored 279 goals in 720 appearances during a 17-year career at The Hawthorns.

The announcement, made exclusively to the Birmingham Mail, confirmed that the club was prepared to salute the midfielder, who is now a radio pundit reporting on all Baggies’ Premier League clashes.

John Simpson, Albion club spokesman, said: “The club contacted Tony in August 2011 to inform him that it wanted to honour his record-breaking achievements with a suitable, and lasting, tribute.

“Tony, in his usual unassuming way, responded very positively to our proposals and we have held several confidential meetings with him since to move the project forward.

“Work on the tribute, which is being fully funded by the club, is very much underway and Tony is delighted by how it is progressing.

“The club will continue to work closely with him and are confident that, when the time is right to fully reveal our plans, all West Bromwich Albion supporters will regard the tribute as fitting for a great player and a great man.”

Hundreds of Baggies’ fans had signed a petition demanding that club bosses honoured the favourite son of the Brummie Road End.

But, unknown to supporters, the club had already instigated the confidential plans to recognise the terrace hero.

An Honour The Bomber campaign was launched by some supporters to collect signatures for a petition to be presented to Albion’s board of directors.

Fan John Kitchen said: “In a time where the term legend is used almost at the drop of a hat, we think its about time a gentleman who has been called Mr Albion is shown the appreciation and recognition he so absolutely deserves.”

What do you think would be a fitting tribute to ‘Bomber’ Brown? Email your thoughts to letters@birminghammail.net